Need a classic Route 66 getaway packed with history and desert charm? Head to Kingman! Discover vintage Americana, explore scenic trails, and dive into quirky roadside attractions. Whether you're into road trips, railroads, or rugged desert landscapes, Kingman is your perfect launching point for Southwest adventure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kingman is in spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Mild temperatures make it ideal for road trips along Route 66, hiking desert trails, and attending local festivals and car shows.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Kingman is located at the intersection of I-40 and U.S. Route 93, about 1.5 hours south of Las Vegas and 3.5 hours northwest of Phoenix.
- By Air: Fly into Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and rent a car for a scenic drive to Kingman, or use Kingman Airport for regional flights.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line stops in Kingman, connecting it to Los Angeles, Chicago, and other major cities.
Where to Stay
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kingman Route 66 – Spacious suites with modern amenities right along historic Route 66.
- El Trovatore Motel – Iconic retro-style motel with themed rooms and a classic Route 66 vibe.
- Best Western Plus King's Inn & Suites – Reliable comfort with a pool and free breakfast, great for families and road trippers.
Best Things to Do
1. Historic Route 66 Museum
Historic Route 66 Museum is located within the former Kingman Powerhouse museum and visitor center complex, opened to the public in May of 2001.
The museum is open daily and offers exhibits showcasing the development of the 35th parallel into one of the United States' most iconic highway routes, chronicling the history of the Mother Road from its use as an indigenous trade route to the height of its 1950s Main Street America fame.
In 2014, the museum opened the nation's first Route 66 electric vehicle exhibit, showcasing more than a dozen vehicles dating back to the 19th century, on loan from the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation. Curriculum-incorporated field trip opportunities are available for elementary and secondary school students, with a museum scavenger hunt activity available to enhance student groups' experience.
120 W. Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401, Phone: 928-753-9889
2. Mohave Museum of History and Arts
Mohave Museum of History and Arts is a private nonprofit museum that is dedicated to preserving Northwestern Arizona's indigenous history and culture, with a focus on the Chemehuevi, Havasupai, Hualapai, Mohave, and Paiute tribes that have historically called the region home.
The museum was founded in 1961 and features a large number of exhibits and displays originally developed by artist Roy Purcell, the museum's first director.
Exhibits detail the region's history from the prehistoric era to the present day, showcasing photographs, paintings, and arts and crafts items produced by indigenous populations.
The museum's research facility serves as a comprehensive collection of civic materials related to the Mohave County region, open to the public Wednesdays and Thursdays. The museum is operated by the Mohave County Historical Society, which offers combination tickets to experience its sister Route 66 Museum and Bonelli House facilities.
400 W Beale St, Kingman, AZ 86401, Phone: 928-753-3195
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Metcalf Park
Metcalf Park is a public park facility in Kingman, dedicated to the memory of civic leader and land developer Charles Metcalfe, the driving force behind Hualapai Mountain Park. The compact, tree-lined park is free and open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours, offering seating areas, grills, and a playground facility for young visitors. Its wide open green spaces make the park a local favorite for picnics and events, including the annual Mother's Day Arts and Crafts Festival in May. The park also features a stage area showcasing concerts and events, including the annual Sounds of Kingman summer concert series.
315 W Beale St, Kingman, AZ 86401, Phone: 928-757-7919
4. Kingman Railroad Museum
Kingman Railroad Museum is a volunteer-run railroad museum that is housed along Route 66 in the former Kingman Santa Fe Railroad Depot facility, which was constructed in 1907. The depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and converted into a public museum facility in 2011. Model trains and railroad industry artifacts are showcased throughout the museum's exhibits, along with a selection of rolling stock from the mid-20th century, some of which may be toured as climb-aboard exhibits. Visitors may also observe current trains running at the depot's Amtrak station from the museum's large, spacious windows.
402 East Andy Devine Avenue b, Kingman, AZ 86401, Phone: 928-718-1440
5. Hualapai Mountain Park
Hualapai Mountain Park is a Mohave County public park that was originally developed in the 1930s as a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park's name pays tribute to the region's Hualapai indigenous tribe, who historically called the park's lands home. Today, the park spans more than 2,300 acres throughout the county, offering several public recreation areas, campsites and RV hookups, and cabin and teepee rentals. 10 miles of hiking trails span the park's varied terrain, which reaches elevations of 8,147 feet. Informational displays throughout the park detail its construction and development as part of the New Deal's urban development programs and present facts about its vegetation, wildlife, and natural features.
6250 Hualapai Mountain Rd, Kingman, AZ 86401, Phone: 928-681-5700
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
6. Bonelli House
Bonelli House is a historic home in Kingman that served as the second custom home constructed by prominent cattle rancher and retail shop owner George A. Bonelli, after his family's first residence burned to the ground due to an electrical fire. The house remained in the Bonelli family for several generations before its purchase by the City of Kingman in 1973. It was then developed into a living history home museum by the Mohave County Historical Society, which has been offering guided public tours of the home since 1978. 25-minute tours are available on weekdays, showcasing the home's original architecture and furnishings, along with artifacts preserved following the first Bonelli home fire.
430 East Spring Street, Kingman, AZ 86401
7. Cella Winery
Cella Winery was founded in 2006 by Buenos Aires native and California body shop owner Carlos Cella, who cultivated a love of winemaking as a young man and planted his first vineyards in 2008. The company has been producing its Estate Wines line since 2010, which has received major awards at the Arizona Wine and Food Fest. A full lineup of wines are available for tasting and sales at the company's public tasting room, which was opened in 2014. Malbec, moscato, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and zinfandel varietals are available as part of the company's Estate Wines line. It also produces a California Wines line, which features merlots, cabernets, syrahs, and red and white wine blends.
6927 E. Brooks Blvd, Kingman, AZ 86401, Phone: 928-692-9600
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Explore Locomotive Park – Climb aboard a real steam engine and enjoy a great picnic spot downtown.
- Take a scenic drive on Route 66 to Oatman – Drive a rugged stretch of Route 66 to a historic mining town with wild burros roaming the streets.
- Hike Monolith Garden Trail – Enjoy easy-to-moderate trails through stunning volcanic rock formations and desert landscapes.
Where to Eat
- Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner – Retro diner famous for its burgers, milkshakes, and neon-lit nostalgia right on Route 66.
- Floyd and Company Real Pit BBQ – Down-home barbecue with slow-cooked meats and hearty sides.
- Mattina’s Ristorante Italiano – Intimate Italian spot offering pastas, seafood, and a romantic atmosphere.
If you are interested in local events:
- Route 66 Fun Run (May) – Vintage car enthusiasts parade classic rides along historic Route 66 from Seligman to Kingman.
- Andy Devine Days Rodeo (September) – Celebrate Kingman’s cowboy heritage with rodeo events, parades, and family fun.
- Kingman Street Drags (October) – Watch street-legal drag racing on a closed-off runway at the Kingman Airport.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Kingman, Arizona:
- Hualapai Mountain Park (20–25 min) – Hike shady forest trails, spot wildlife, and escape the desert heat in mountain cabins.
- Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area (10–15 min) – Mountain bike, hike, or horseback ride across scenic desert terrain.
- Oatman, Arizona (30 min) – Historic mining town known for wild burros, old-time gunfights, and Route 66 charm.
- Lake Mohave (25–30 min) – Swim, fish, or boat in clear waters bordered by rugged desert hills.
- Cool Springs Station (20–25 min) – Restored 1920s gas station museum along the iconic Route 66 drive toward Oatman.
- Metcalfe Park (5–10 min) – Chill spot in downtown Kingman with concerts, farmers markets, and community events.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Kingman, AZ located?
- Kingman, AZ is situated along the historic Route 66 and serves as a key stop for travelers exploring this legendary highway.
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What attractions does Kingman offer for Route 66 enthusiasts?
- Kingman features a variety of museums and attractions dedicated to celebrating the history and culture of Route 66.
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Why is Kingman considered a major gateway for travelers?
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Kingman serves as a gateway for visitors traveling to major destinations, including:
- The Las Vegas Strip
- The Grand Canyon
- Recreational areas near Lakes Mead, Mohave, and Havasu
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Kingman serves as a gateway for visitors traveling to major destinations, including:
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming desert landscapes.
Best Western Plus King’s Inn & Suites – A comfortable and well-rated stay along Route 66.
Explore Hualapai Mountain Park – Enjoy scenic hiking trails with spring wildflowers.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and dry, great for historical sightseeing.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingman – A modern stay with excellent amenities.
Visit the Route 66 Museum – Learn about the historic highway and Kingman’s role in its history.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures, perfect for outdoor exploration.
El Trovatore Motel – A classic Route 66 motel with nostalgic charm.
Drive the Historic Route 66 to Oatman – Experience old western towns, burros, and scenic desert views.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and mild, with fewer crowds.
Hampton Inn & Suites Kingman – A warm and inviting stay for winter travelers.
Tour the Historic Downtown District – Enjoy antique shops, local breweries, and winter festivals.
Kingman is 3 hr 12 min (194.0 miles via US-93 N) from Phoenix.
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